Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe That’s a Game-Changer for Seafood Lovers
If you’re craving a simple yet flavorful seafood dish that will impress, look no further than Garlic Butter Baked Cod.
Tender cod fillets coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection is a dinner that practically cooks itself.
This dish is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or a special meal when you’re hosting friends or family.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this garlic butter-baked cod:
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of spice
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste – you can always add more garlic, butter, or lemon to make this recipe your own.
Preparation
Before you dive into baking, let’s prep everything!
Choosing Your Cod: Whether you’re picking fresh or frozen cod, go for firm and moist fillets. If you have frozen fillets, make sure to thaw them properly in the fridge overnight, or use the quick-thaw method by placing them under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes.
Making the Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper to bring everything together.
Preparing the Cod: Grab a baking dish large enough to fit your fillets in a single layer while the garlic butter is sizzling away. Lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray. Place the cod fillets in the dish and season with salt and pepper. If adding red pepper flakes, sprinkle a pinch over the fillets for a subtle kick.
Pouring the Garlic Butter: The fun part is drizzling that rich garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets. Make sure each fillet gets a good coating of the butter mixture. It’s also okay if some garlic pieces land on the fillets – they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Baking Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will give the cod that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, flaky interior.
Bake the Cod: Once the oven is hot, pop the baking dish in and bake the cod for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The cod should be opaque and flake easily when you gently poke it with a fork. If your fillets are a bit thicker, you may need to add a couple more minutes, but be careful not to overcook – cod can become dry if baked too long.
Finish It Off: After baking, remove the cod from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Just before serving, squeeze some lemon juice over the top for an extra zing.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Baked Cod pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. For a light meal, serve it alongside roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
You can also add a side of crispy roasted potatoes or a simple mixed green salad. If you want to go all out, serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf to soak up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Tips & Variations
Herb It Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs. Dill, thyme, or rosemary are excellent choices that pair beautifully with cod. Simply sprinkle your favorite herb and the parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Customize Your Seasoning: If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the butter. A bit of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of paprika would also make for a delightful addition to the garlic butter sauce.
Frozen Cod Tip: If you’re using frozen cod, be sure to thaw it properly so the fish cooks evenly. Thawing in the fridge overnight is the best method, but if you’re in a hurry, running cold water over the fillets will work too.
Other Fish Options: While cod is a great choice for this dish, you can substitute it with other firm white fish like haddock, tilapia, or even halibut. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Baked Cod is the perfect meal when you’re short on time but want something impressive and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish delivers big flavors.
Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. And the best part? It’s so easy to make that you’ll want to cook it repeatedly!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cod! Just be sure to thaw it first. Either thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the quick-thaw method by placing it under cold running water for 10-15 minutes.
How do I know when the cod is done?
Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in color. If you gently poke it with a fork, the flesh should separate into flakes. It needs a bit more time in the oven if it’s still translucent in the middle.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While this dish is best fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, pour it over the cod and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
In a pinch, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. About 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic should work. Just stir it into the melted butter before drizzling it over the fish.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! For a one-pan meal, you can add veggies like sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish along with the cod. Just make sure to season them and toss them in the garlic butter as well.